Multi-polar connector

Abstract

A connector for connecting to an energy source such as a pulse generator for a cardiac stimulator system. The connector assembly includes a pin, at least one ring and a sleeve composed of an insulative hard polymer molded between the pin and ring such that the sleeve provides electrical insulation between the pin and ring and mechanically couples the pin and ring.

1. A connector assembly for a lead, the connector assembly comprising:
 a pin extending from a pin distal end portion to a pin proximal end portion, and having a pin intermediate portion therebetween, the pin having one or more anti-rotation features associated therewith; 
 at least one ring extending from a ring distal end portion to a ring proximal end portion and having a ring intermediate portion therebetween, one or more portions of the at least one ring surrounding one or more portions of the pin; and 
 a molded insulative sleeve disposed between the pin and the ring, the sleeve mechanically coupling the pin and the ring. 
 
   
   
     2. The connector assembly as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the anti-rotation features include one or more planar surfaces formed on the pin. 
   
   
     3. The connector assembly as recited in  claim 2 , wherein the planar surfaces include at least two flats formed on opposite sides of the pin. 
   
   
     4. The connector assembly as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the anti-rotation features include threaded portions disposed along the pin. 
   
   
     5. The connector assembly as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the anti-rotation features include one or more grooves formed along the pin. 
   
   
     6. The connector assembly as recited in  claim 5 , wherein the one or more grooves form an oblique angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the pin. 
   
   
     7. The connector assembly as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the ring includes one or more grooves disposed therealong. 
   
   
     8. The connector assembly as recited in  claim 7 , wherein the one or more grooves includes one or more threads disposed along an internal surface of the ring. 
   
   
     9. The connector assembly as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the pin distal end portion extends distally to at least one of the ring distal end portion or a distal end of the molded insulative sleeve. 
   
   
     10. The connector assembly as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the molded insulative sleeve includes an energy source coupling groove on an outer surface thereof. 
   
   
     11. The connector assembly as recited in  claim 1 , wherein a distal portion of the molded insulative sleeve extends distally of the ring distal end portion and a proximal portion of the molded insulative sleeve extends proximally of the ring proximal end portion. 
   
   
     12. A connector assembly for a lead, the connector assembly comprising:
 a pin extending from a pin distal end portion to a pin proximal end portion, and having a pin intermediate portion therebetween; 
 at least one ring extending from a ring distal end portion to a ring proximal end portion and having a ring intermediate portion therebetween; and 
 a molded insulative sleeve disposed between the pin and the ring, the sleeve mechanically coupling the pin and the ring; and 
 non-adhesive means for preventing the sleeve from rotating relative to the pin; 
 wherein at least a part of one or both of the pin intermediate portion or the pin distal end portion are disposed within a lumen portion of the at least one ring. 
 
   
   
     13. The connector assembly as recited in  claim 12 , wherein the ring includes one or more threads disposed therealong. 
   
   
     14. The connector assembly as recited in  claim 13 , wherein the threads are disposed along an internal surface of the ring. 
   
   
     15. The connector assembly as recited in  claim 12 , further comprising one or more grooves formed along an outer surface of the pin. 
   
   
     16. The connector assembly as recited in  claim 15 , wherein the one or more grooves form an oblique angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the pin. 
   
   
     17. The connector assembly as recited in  claim 12 , wherein an outer surface portion of the pin is spaced about 0.005 inches from an inner surface portion of the at least one ring. 
   
   
     18. A method for forming a connector assembly for a lead, the method comprising:
 forming a pin including forming anti-rotation features along the pin; 
 forming at least one ring; 
 positioning one or more portions of the at least one ring around one or more portions of the pin: 
 insulating the pin from the ring including molding a sleeve between the pin and the ring, molding includes mechanically coupling the pin with the ring; and 
 preventing rotation of the pin relative to the sleeve with the anti-rotation features. 
 
   
   
     19. The method as recited in  claim 18 , further comprising coupling a conductor with at least one of the ring or the pin. 
   
   
     20. The method as cited in  claim 19 , wherein coupling the conductor occurs prior to molding the sleeve. 
   
   
     21. The method as recited in  claim 18 , further comprising forming ridges in the pin at an angle oblique to a longitudinal axis of the pin. 
   
   
     22. The method as recited in  claim 21 , wherein the ridges receive the sleeve. 
   
   
     23. The method as recited in  claim 18 , further comprising forming threads along the at least one ring. 
   
   
     24. The method as recited in  claim 23 , wherein forming the threads along the at least one ring includes forming threads along an interior surface of the at least one ring.